Roberts, 'Dogs honored
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL/ KILGORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BANQUET
By MITCH LUCAS sports@kilgorenewsherald.com

It's never a bad time to celebrate Kilgore football, and the high school's players and coaches were honored Monday night at the Devall Student Center on the Kilgore College campus, a tribute to the 2007 season.

Kilgore Independent School District Superintendent Jerry Roberts was honored, as well, inducted into the school's Wall of Honor, a way of paying tribute to those who have made great contributions to Kilgore High School athletics.

The banquet is organized each year by the KHS football booster club, who did a nice job again this year.

KHS head football coach and athletic director Mike Vallery congratulated his players and coaches on going 8-2 in the regular season, winning the District 12-4A championship, and winning a 4A bi-district playoff championship by beating Mount Pleasant in the first round.

Vallery also got to present Roberts into the Wall of Honor, just after longtime booster club member Gary Blanks reiterated the qualifications: "a former student, instructor, coach or individual who has" greatly contributed to athletics at Kilgore High School.

A NIGHT OF THANKS - Kilgore High School honored the 2007 football players and coaches at its banquet Monday night. Top: Kilgore head football coach Mike Vallery presents Jerry Roberts for the school's Wall of Honor. Above: Eric King (left) was named offensive MVP, and Rick Thomas defensive MVP.

"If there's anybody who deserves to be a part of the Wall of Honor in the Kilgore school district," Vallery said, "then Mr. Roberts deserves to be there."

Vallery pointed out Roberts' 25 years in the Kilgore school system, including his last 14 as superintendent, and named numerous accomplishments, including improvements to R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium (several, including the superturf surface), to Driller Park, new tennis courts, new softball field and locker room, and the school's new multi-purpose facility, which will allow several different sports teams, the cheerleaders and band to practice on a turf-like surface during cold or inclement weather.

"It wasn't just me," Roberts said. "We've had a great school board that supports athletics. ...This really means a great deal to me, and I wish you all the success here in the future."

Roberts is retiring at the end of the school year, and will be replaced by Jody Clements.

The junior varsity and freshmen football programs were recognized by coaches Jay Dean and Joey Pippen, and letter awards were given. Receiving first-year letter awards were Jordan Henderson, Robert Shook, and Ryan Huckabee. Secondyear letter-winners were Hakeem Colbert, Cody Murphy, Westin Thomas, Joe Colbert, Ryan Bustin, Danny Smith, Erik King, Dustin Mikusko, Greg Szymarek, Michael Anthony, Chris Smith and Kelsey Clayton. Rick Thomas was the team's third-year letter-winner.

Team assistant trainers and ball boys were recognized, and letter jackets were handed out, as well. Appreciation plaques were handed out to Roberts, members of the KISD school board, high school principal Bobby Wheeley and assistant principals Tim Banks and Randy Gaddis, to Sabrina Banks, Sharon Breedlove and longtime KHS supporter Alvin Khoury.

It was announced that Robert Shook, Michael Anthony and Dustin Mikusko were named to the Texas High School Coaches Association academic team, and that Shook, with an average of 101, was this year's recipient of the KHS football scholar award.

Senior linebacker Rick Thomas was named the defensive most valuable player, and senior quarterback Eric King was named offensive MVP. Other awards presented:

• Coaches' award: Kelsey Clayton and Chris Smith.

• Bulldog award: Westin Thomas, Brandon Schamber.

• Most improved defensive players: Trevor Moon, Kendall Moore.

• Most improved offensive players: Jeff Watson, John Swanson.

• Special teams award: Ryan Bustin.

• Top defensive back: Cody Murphy.

• Top running backs: Frank Reddic and Hakeem Colbert.

• Defensive linemen of the year: Greg Szymarek and Dominique Jones.

• Offensive linemen of the year: Vince Cano, Colby Rosen.

• Linebacker: Danny Smith.

• Wide receiver award: Cody Murphy

Also, the senior parents were presented with commemorative footballs.

The welcome to the banquet was given by Tim Capps, and the invocation by Michael Anthony. Eric King and Rick Thomas led the Lord's Prayer at the banquet's conclusion.

Booster club officers for the 2007 season were Mike Anthony, Kim Palmer, Suzie Anthony, Gary Blanks, Marti Nix and Doris Miller, and Travis Martin.